In a moment of historic political turbulence, we find ourselves as a nation grappling with the dismantling of democratic norms and institutions under a second Trump administration. If the Republicans, America’s traditional conservative party, have abandoned their role as defenders of stable institutions, it is now up to Democrats — ironically, the party of change — to become the nation’s new conservatives, fighting to preserve the very foundations of liberal democracy.

This call is rooted in the insights of Samuel P. Huntington, the Harvard political scientist whose 1957 essay “Conservatism as an Ideology” challenged the conventional wisdom about what it means to be conservative. Huntington argued that conservatism is not a fixed set of principles, but a situational ideology that arises whenever established institutions are under threat. In his view, the core mission of conservatism is to defend and preserve the existing order when it faces radical disruption—not to pursue a utopian vision, but to prevent deterioration and chaos.

Huntington’s analysis is strikingly relevant today. The Republican Party, once the champion of free markets, limited government, and the rule of law, has under Trump shifted toward protectionism, nationalism, and a willingness to undermine the very institutions it once defended. Trump’s approach is less a response to crisis than a catalyst for it — an agenda that actively destabilizes the judiciary, politicizes independent agencies, suppresses free press, and erodes civil service protections.

This is not conservatism in Huntington’s sense; it is, rather, a form of radicalism masquerading as tradition. The Trump administration’s actions — attacking judges, purging independent officials, restricting voting rights, and retaliating against dissent — represent a systematic assault on the pillars of American democracy. The United States’ addition to the Civicus Monitor Watchlist for declining civic freedoms is a stark indicator of how far the nation has strayed from its democratic ideals. This is hardly the “greatness” which the MAGA movement intends to recover.

Given this crisis, Democrats must seriously consider stepping into the breach. Huntington’s situational conservatism provides the intellectual justification: when the existing order is liberal democracy, and when that order is under siege, the true conservative is the one who fights to defend it. I urge Democrats to embrace this role — not as reactionaries, but as vigilant stewards of the institutions, norms, and values that make democracy possible.

What does this new “Democratic conservatism” look like in practice? Several items suggest themselves for constituting a clear agenda:

Reaffirm Democratic Norms and Values: Democrats must be explicit and unwavering in their defense of transparency, accountability, the rule of law, and the sanctity of elections. These are not partisan talking points — they are the bedrock of the American experiment.

Build Broad-Based Coalitions: Defending democracy cannot be a partisan project. Democrats should reach out to moderate conservatives, independents, and civic organizations to build a united front against authoritarian drift.

Strengthen Civic Education: An informed public is democracy’s best defense. Revitalizing civic education and public engagement is essential to counter cynicism and apathy.

Defend Independent Institutions: The judiciary, the press, and electoral commissions must be shielded from political interference. Legal and civic mobilization is crucial to resist executive overreach.

Encourage Civic Resistance and Peaceful Protest: History shows that organized, peaceful protest can check authoritarian impulses and rally public attention to abuses of power.

Foster Dialogue and Reduce Polarization: Democrats must resist the temptation to demonize opponents, choosing instead to foster dialogue and rebuild trust across ideological divides.

Model Transparent Governance: Where they hold power locally and statewide in governorships and legislatures, Democrats should demonstrate the virtues of ethical, transparent leadership — offering a stark contrast to federal dysfunction.

Engage Globally: Democracy is under threat worldwide. Democrats should work with international allies to reinforce democratic norms and apply diplomatic pressure against domestic backsliding.

Beyond these structural tasks, there is also a cultural and psychological battle to be fought. Many citizens have become apathetic, cynical, or disengaged. This is not a moment for despair, but for persuasion and mobilization. Political conversations must be reframed in terms of real-life impact —o n families, jobs, and communities. Stories of civic engagement, local organizing, and democratic success must be shared widely and repeatedly. People must be shown that their participation matters. We need strategies that connect political issues to people’s daily lives, encourage small steps toward engagement, and leverage trusted community networks to foster participation.

Huntington was a scholar who, though instinctively conservative, championed the defense of liberal institutions above all. In today’s context, his lesson is clear: Fight fire with fire, or, more aptly, use the tools of democracy to preserve, protect, and enhance democracy itself.

In this moment of institutional peril, Democrats must become America’s true conservatives — not by resisting change, but by defending the constitutional order against those who would tear it down. If the party of Roosevelt and Obama can rise to this challenge, it may yet save the republic.

Douglas R. Sharp is a retired professor of theology, religion and society.